Written Answers Thursday 10 August 2006

Scottish Executive

Health

Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take in light of Item 12 of the conclusions of the EU Council of Ministers on 1 to 2 June 2006 on women’s health, with particular reference to osteoporosis.

Lewis Macdonald: The Executive recognises that, whilst osteoporosis affects both men and women, there is a higher prevalence of the disease amongst women. Our work on smoking, diet and exercise will help reduce the risk of people developing osteoporosis.

  The Executive also recognises that some diseases such as CHD, cancer and mental health problems affect men and women differently, and that others such as endometriosis and cervical cancer affect women exclusively. The principles set out in Delivering for Health are about making sure that services are responsive to the needs of the person.